Mattel's overseas conditions improve

DanBurrows

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Overseas factories owned and operated by Mattel along with suppliers have made progress but still need to improve working conditions, an independent auditor said Friday.

The International Center for Corporate Accountability released its audit results of the toymaker's manufacturing facilities and suppliers in China and Mexico, saying that although Mattel
MAT, -1.82%
has "made significant progress" there's still "has room for improvement in a few key areas."

The ICCA added that although Mattel's facilities are much better in addressing workplace issues around wages, safety and access to management, lingering problems remain with paying employees overtime and minimum wages.

"It's important to note that Mattel's efforts to provide transparency in its supplier base ultimately are providing much-needed transparency throughout the toy industry, because many other companies work with these same factories," said Dr. S. Prakash Sethi, ICAA's chairman.

But overall, the center gave Mattel good grades.

"[It] has exceeded our expectations in providing employees with extensive facilities for extracurricular activities, including sports, education, health and entertainment," added Sethi. "They are setting a good example in the manufacturing industry."

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